Portable kit box for torch equipment

ABSTRACT

A portable kit box for torch equipment comprising a lid, a tank compartment for holding at least one tank, and a base. The base defines a base surface for contacting and translating the kit box along a surface. The lid comprises a compartment for storing at least one tank and is movable between an open position and a closed position. The kit box has at least three positions relative to the surface. In the first position, the at least one tank is supported at an acute angle relative to the surface, in the second position the at least one tanks is supported approximately perpendicular to the surface, and in the third position, the at least one tank is supported approximately horizontal to the surface. The kit box further includes at least one storage compartment, a securing member for securing the lid to the base, and a handle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a kit box for torch equipment and, moreparticularly, to a kit box for storing, supporting, positioning, totingand maneuvering torch equipment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the field, users of torches, such as MAPP® gas and propane torches,often find themselves working in tightly constrained work areas andcrawl spaces where it is impractical if not impossible to use theirlarge and less portable torch equipment; therefore, in these confinedwork environments users must rely on portable torch equipment that isreadily maneuverable throughout these environments and capable of beingpositioned and supported for optimum performance, accessibility and easeof use. To satisfy these demands, various types of carriers arecommercially available for holding torch and welding equipment; however,these carriers are generally oversized, heavy and cumbersome, and onlyallow the torch's gas tanks or bottles to be supported in the uprightposition, which provides less than optimal gas flow to the torch duringuse. Furthermore, these carries do not allow the user to drag thebottles hose, which greatly inhibits maneuverability and convenience.

As a remedy to the problem, a portable torch stand has been devised asshown in FIG. 1. The stand is made from a bent wire frame that supportsthe gas tanks at a 30° angle relative to the ground surface, which isthe optimal position for proper gas flow and maximum burn, and allowsthe tanks to be dragged by the hose for better maneuverability. However,the wire frame is easily damaged and is unstable as the tanks can becomedislodged and/or the frame can fall over on its side if, for example,the frame catches on an imperfection in the surface that the frame isresting on while the frame is being dragged or maneuvered. Additionaldisadvantages are that the wire frame can only support a single gasbottle and is not capable of storing extra torch equipment andaccessories; furthermore, the frame cannot support the gas tank in theupright or horizontal positions, which although not the optimal positionas noted above, do provide the user with an alternate stable bottleposition in situations where the upright or horizontal positions are themost convenient or desirable over the thirty degree (30°) position.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a portable kit box fortorch equipment that supports the tanks in the thirty degree (30°),upright vertical and horizontal positions in a stable manner relative tothe surface that the kit box is resting on, such as a ground or floorsurface, can store more than one fuel tank as well as additional torchequipment and supplies, is rugged and not easily damaged, and provides astable base for dragging and maneuvering the unit across the surfaceregardless of whether the torch is in use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is directed to a portable kit boxfor torch equipment comprising a base defining a base surface forcontacting and translating the kit box along a surface, such as a groundor floor surface, or any other surface that the kit box is able to reston, a lid movable between an open position and a closed positionrelative to the base, a tank compartment for holding at least one tank,and a support surface for supporting the at least one tank. The kit boxhas a first position, wherein the at least one tank is supported at anacute angle relative to the surface when the kit box is in the firstposition. In one embodiment, the acute angle ranges from about 20° toabout 60° relative to the surface and, in another embodiment, the acuteangle is approximately 30° relative to the ground surface.

In another aspect of the invention, the kit box has a second position,wherein the at least one tank is supported approximately perpendicularto the surface when the kit box is in the second position, and a thirdposition wherein the at least one tank is supported approximatelyhorizontal to the surface when the kit box is in the third position.

In yet another aspect of the invention, the box is configured so thatthe lid is in the closed position when the kit box is in the first andsecond positions and the lid is in the open position when the kit box isin the third position; further, the base surface contacts the surfacewhen the kit box is in the first and third positions.

In a further aspect of the invention, the lid defines the tankcompartment such that the at least one tank stored in the tankcompartment moves in unison with the lid, and the base defines theangled support surface, which supports the lid in the closed position.

In still another aspect of the invention, the kit box further comprisesat least one internal compartment for holding additional objects, a pairof external cleats disposed on the lid, the base or any combinationthereof for wrapping and storing a hose, a receptacle for receiving atorch, at least one securing member for securing the lid and the base,and a handle disposed on a portion of the kit box for toting the kit boxand torch equipment disposed thereon.

In a another aspect of the invention the kit box further includes atleast one tank of torch fuel, the at least one tank including a nozzle,a torch, a hose for connecting the torch to the tank nozzle, and atleast one valve for controlling the flow of fuel between the at leastone tank and the torch.

The portable kit box of present invention offers at least the followingadvantages: the kit box can store more than one tank and the tanks canbe supported in multiple positions relative to the surface that the kitbox is resting on in a stable manner, the kit box can store torchequipment and supplies in an organized fashion, the kit box is ruggedand not easily damaged, and the kit box provides a stable base fordragging and maneuvering the box and torch equipment along the surfacewith little effort regardless of whether the torch is in use.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood with reference to the followingdescription, appended claims and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side perspective view of a prior art torch kit with supportstand;

FIG. 2 is perspective view of an embodiment of the portable kit boxbeing carried by a user with the torch equipment in place;

FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the portable kitbox showing the lid partially opened;

FIG. 4 is a top view of an embodiment of the portable kit box in thefirst position with the base surface contacting the ground surface;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the portable kit box;

FIG. 6 is a side view of an embodiment of the portable kit box;

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of the portable kit box in thefirst position with the handle removed showing a tank in the acute angleposition;

FIG. 8 is a front view of an embodiment of the portable kit box;

FIG. 9 is a rear view of an embodiment of the portable kit box;

FIG. 10 is a side perspective view of an embodiment of the portable kitbox in the second (upright standing) position with base surface notcontacting the ground surface and the torch equipment stored thereon;

FIG. 11 is a top view of an embodiment of the portable kit box in thesecond position with base surface not contacting the ground surface andshowing a hose wrapped around the hose cleats;

FIG. 12 a side perspective view of an embodiment of the portable kit boxshowing the lid partially opened and tanks supported thereon;

FIG. 13 is a top view of an embodiment of the kit box showing the handlein an alternative position spanning the hose cleats; and

FIG. 14 is a side view of an embodiment of the kit box showing the kitbox in the first or drag position with the base surface resting on asurface and the torch/hose and kit box being pulled in the direction ofthe arrows.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to FIGS. 2-14, a portable kit box for torch equipmentembodying the present invention is indicated generally by the referencenumeral 10. The kit box 10 is typically made of polymer material, butcould also be made of rubber, metal, composites, or any material orcombination of materials suited for the intended purpose that arecurrently known or later become known. The kit box 10 comprises a base20 and a lid 30 movable between an open position and a closed positionrelative to the base. In one embodiment, the lid 30 is rotatably coupledto the base 20 via at least one coupling member 42, such as a hinge,flexible membrane or any other means currently known or later becomesknown for rotatably coupling the lid 30 to the base 30. The lid 30defines a compartment 26 for holding at least one tank 50 of torch fuel;in one embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and 12, the compartment 26 isdesigned to hold two tanks, a primary in-use tank 51 and a secondarytank 53 that acts as a backup when the primary tank 51 becomes empty orfails to expel its contents. The at least one tank 50 typically storesliquid petroleum gas mixed with methylacetylene-propadiene, which iscommercially available as MAPP® gas (BOC Group, Inc.) or propane;however, the tanks can store other torch that are currently known orlater become known. The tank compartment 26 can be a single piecereceptacle-like member disposed upon or defined by the lid 30 (FIG. 3)or can comprise a separate support member 28 removably attached to thelid 30 (FIG. 12); in either embodiment, the at least one tank 50 is heldfirmly against the lid 30 so that the position of the at least one tank50 relative to a surface 15 that the kit box 10 is resting on, forexample, a ground or floor surface, directly coincides with the positionof the lid 30 relative to the surface 15.

To position the at least one tank 50, the kit box 10 can rest on thesurface 15 in at least three positions. In the first position (FIGS. 7and 13), the kit box 10 is in a drag position and at least one tank 50is supported at an acute angle α relative to the surface 15. In this(first) position, a base surface 32 of the base (described in furtherdetail below) contacts the surface 15 and the lid 30 is in the closedposition. The acute angle α ranges from about 20° to about 60° and, inone embodiment of the invention, the acute angle α is approximately 30°relative to ground surface to achieve optimum flow of torch fuel fromthe at least one tank 50 to an attached torch 80. In the second position(FIG. 11) the kit box 10 stands in an upright position and the at leastone tank 50 is supported approximately perpendicular to the surface 15.In this (second) position, the base surface 32 is approximatelyperpendicular to the surface 15 and the lid 30 is in the closedposition. In the third position (not shown), the at least one tank 50 issupported approximately horizontal to the surface 15. In this (third)position, the base 20 surface 32 contacts the surface 15 and the lid 30is in the open position. Referring to FIG. 3, it should be noted thatthe lid 30 is rotatably movable in the direction of the arrow an angle βrelative to the ground surface. The angle β ranges from about 30° toabout 180°.

Drawing attention to FIGS. 5-6, the base 20 is shown in greater detail.The base 30 defines a base surface 32 on the outside for contacting andtranslating the kit box 10 along the surface 15 when the kit box 10 isin the first and third positions. The base surface 32 comprises at leasttwo runners 34 disposed thereon in the longitudinal direction andextending outwardly from the base surface 32. In an alternativeembodiment, the runners 34 are formed integral to the base surface 32 asa single component. The runners 34 are typically made from a polymermaterial, such as nylon, but could be made from rubber, metal, wood,composites, or any material or combination of materials that arecurrently known or later become known for the purpose of allowing thekit box 10 to translate across the surface 15 when a force is applied bythe user.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the base 20 further defines an angled supportsurface 36 for supporting the lid 30 in the closed position and the atleast one tank 50 held thereon in the first position (acute angle)position. Optionally, a storage compartment 38 is formed in the base 20for storing torch equipment, supplies, and/or any other objects oraccoutrements that the user wishes to store therein. To assist insupporting the at least one tank 50, an optional support member 46 isremovably disposed within or integrated base 20 itself.

To further stabilize and support the at least one tank 50 in the firstand second positions, and to allow a portion of a nozzle 54 of the atleast one tank 50 to protrude from the kit box 10 when the lid 30 is inthe closed position and the at least one tank 50 is in the first andsecond positions, the kit box 10 comprises at least one tank aperture 52(FIGS. 2 and 8) defined by a portion of at least one of the lid 30, thebase 20, or any combination thereof. In an alternative embodiment, thetank nozzles 54 do not protrude from the kit box; rather, the aperturesare configured to allow a hose member 70 (described below) to passthrough the kit box 10. The kit box 10 further comprises a handle 40disposed thereon for toting the kit box 10 from location to location andat least one securing member 44, such as a latch or other device that iscurrently known or later becomes known that is capable of securingtogether the base 20 and the lid 30. The handle 40 can be integratedinto or affixed to the base 20 (FIG. 12), the lid 30 (not shown) or anycombination thereof. In one embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the handle 40spans across a pair of hose cleats 72, 74, which are described infurther detail below.

Drawing attention to FIG. 2, the kit box 10 is shown comprising torchequipment stored therewith. The torch equipment includes, but is notlimited to, the at least one tank 50, at least one tank nozzle 54, atleast one valve 90, a hose 70, a torch 80 and any other pieces of torchequipment that are currently known or later become known. To receive andstore the hose 70, a pair of hose cleats 72, 74 are disposed on the lidas shown, for example in FIGS. 2 and 11, so that the hose can be neatlywrapped and stored thereupon. To receive and store the torch 80, a torchholster or receptacle 82 is disposed on the base 20, the lid 30 or anycombination thereof. The torch receptacle 82 is designed to receive thetorch 80 and torch tip 84, so that the torch tip 84 is protected frombeing damaged when not in use and also to protect the user from beingburned by a potentially hot torch 80 and/or torch tip 84. The torchreceptacle 84 is typically made of metal or any other material or blendof materials that are currently known or later become known that canwithstand the heat from the torch and/or torch tip after use and therebyprotect the user.

An illustrative example of how the kit box 10 of the present inventioncan be used is as follows. With the at least one tank 50 of torch fuelplaced in the tank compartment 26 such that the tank nozzle 54 ispositioned within the tank aperture 52, the torch 80 connected to the atleast one tank 50 via the hose 70 and the at least one valve 90, thehose 70 wrapped around the hose cleats 72, 74, the torch 80 held in thetorch receptacle 82, and the kit box 10 in the second (upright) positionwith the lid 30 in the closed position and secured to the base 20 (FIG.10), the kit box 10 is placed in the first position so that the basesurface 32 contacts the resting surface 15. The torch 80 is removed fromthe torch receptacle 82 and the hose 70 unwound from the cleats 72,74.While resting on the base surface 32 and, in particular, on the runners34 of the base surface 32, the kit box 10 is in the drag position (FIG.14), wherein the lid 30 is resting on the angled support surface 36 ofthe base 20 and the at least one tank 50 is positioned at anapproximately 30° angle relative to the resting surface 15. In the dragposition (first position), the kit box 10 can be “dragged” andmaneuvered along the surface 15 by tugging and/or pulling on the torch80 and/or hose 70, without dislodging the at least one tank 50. Thisallows the user to move through a confined work space with the at leastone tank 50 and torch equipment conveniently in tow.

As an alternative, the user can operate the torch 80 with the kit box 10in the second position (standing upright position) with the lid 30closed and secured to the base 20, and the at least one tank 50positioned approximately perpendicular to the resting surface 15 (FIG.3—torch 80 not shown). As a further alternative, the user can operatethe kit box 10 in the third position (kit box 10 open) with the basesurface 32 contacting the resting surface 15 and, in particular,contacting the runners 34 of the base surface 32, and the at lest onetank 50 positioned approximately horizontal to the resting surface 15.In this position, the lid 30 is unlatched from the base 20 and in theopen position so that the user can operate the torch 80 whilesimultaneously having convenient access to any torch accessories storedin the at least one storage compartment 38, such as flux, solder,brushes, and/or any non-torch-related items stored in the at least onestorage compartment 38.

When the user has finished using the torch 80, the accessories and otheritems (if any) are placed in the at least one storage compartment 38 andthe kit box 10 is closed and the lid 30 is secured to the base 30 viathe at least one securing member 44. The hose 70 is then wrapped aroundthe cleats 72, 74 for storage and the torch 80 is placed in the torchreceptacle 82. With all the torch equipment, accessories and itemsconveniently stored in the kit box 10, the kit box 10 toted to the nextjob site/location by grasping the handle 40.

As may be recognized by those skilled in the pertinent art based on theteachings herein, numerous changes and modifications may be made to theabove-described kit box and example of use without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Forexample, the kit box 10 and its components may be made of any ofnumerous different materials that are currently known or later becomeknown for performing the functions of the various components. The kitbox 10 and components thereof, as well as the relevant torch equipment,may take any of numerous different configurations that are currentlyknown or later become known for performing the functions of thedifferent features described herein. Similarly, the kit box 10 andcomponents thereof may take any of numerous different shapes that arecurrently or later become known. Further, the principles of the presentinvention are equally applicable to equipment other than torchequipment, and may be applied, for example, to any of numerous differenttypes of equipment that require tanks of solids, liquids and/or gasesduring operation, such as, but not limited to, welding equipment,brazing equipment, soldering equipment, painting equipment,extermination and fumigation equipment and gardening equipment.Accordingly, this detailed description is to be taken in anillustrative, as opposed to a limiting sense.

1. A portable kit box for torch equipment comprising: a base defining abase surface for contacting and translating the kit box along a surface;a lid movable between an open position and a closed position relative tothe base; a tank compartment for holding at least one tank; and asupport surface for supporting the at least one tank, wherein the kitbox has a first position, the at least one tank being supported at anacute angle relative to the surface when the kit box is in the firstposition.
 2. A portable kit box as defined in claim 1, wherein the kitbox has a second position, the at least one tank being supportedapproximately perpendicular to the surface when the kit box is in thesecond position.
 3. A portable kit box as defined in claim 2, whereinthe kit box has a third position, the at least one tank being supportedapproximately horizontal to the surface when the kit box is in the thirdposition.
 4. A portable kit box as defined in claim 1, wherein the acuteangle ranges from about 20° to about 60° relative to the ground surface.5. A portable kit box as defined in claim 4, wherein the acute angle isapproximately 30° relative to the ground surface.
 6. A portable kit boxas defined in claim 1, wherein the lid defines the tank compartment. 7.A portable kit box as defined in claim 6, wherein the base defines thesupport surface, the support surface supporting the lid in the closedposition.
 8. A portable kit box as defined in claim 1, wherein the lidis in the closed position when the kit box is in the first and secondpositions, the lid is in the open position when the kit box is in thethird position, and the base surface contacts the surface when the kitbox is in the first and third positions.
 9. A portable kit box asdefined in claim 1, further comprising at least one internal compartmentfor holding additional objects.
 10. A portable kit box as defined inclaim 1, further comprising a pair of external cleats disposed on thelid, the base or any combination thereof for wrapping and storing ahose.
 11. A portable kit box as defined in claim 1, further comprising ahandle disposed on a the kit box.
 12. A portable kit box as defined inclaim 1, further comprising a receptacle for receiving a torch.
 13. Aportable kit box as defined in claim 1, further comprising at least oneaperture for allowing a nozzle portion of the at least one tank toprotrude from the kit box when the lid is in each of the open and closedpositions, the at least one aperture defined by a portion of at leastone of the lid and the base.
 14. A portable kit box as defined in claim1, further comprising at least one securing member for securing togetherthe lid and the base.
 15. A portable kit box as defined in claim 1,wherein the base surface further comprises at least two runners disposedthereon for aiding the base surface in translating across the surface.16. A portable kit box as defined in claim 1, wherein the base portionis rotatably coupled to the lid portion.
 17. A portable kit box fortorch equipment comprising: a base defining a base surface forcontacting and translating the kit box along a surface; a lid movablebetween an open position and a closed position relative to the base, thelid defining a compartment for holding at least one tank; an angledsupport surface defined by a portion of the base for supporting the lidin the closed position; at least one tank aperture for allowing a nozzleportion of the at least one tank to protrude from the kit box when thelid is in each of the open and closed positions, the at least one tankaperture defined by a portion of at least one of the lid and the base; ahandle disposed on the kit box; and at least one securing member forsecuring the lid to the base, wherein the kit box has at least threepositions relative to the surface, in a first position, the at least onetank is supported at an acute angle relative to the surface, in a secondposition the at least one tanks is supported approximately perpendicularto the surface, and a third position, the at least one tank is supportedapproximately horizontal to the surface.
 18. A portable kit box asdefined in claim 17, wherein the acute angle ranges from about 20° toabout 60° relative to the ground surface.
 19. A portable kit box asdefined in claim 18, wherein the acute angle is approximately 30°relative to the ground surface.
 20. A portable kit box as defined inclaim 17, wherein the lid is in the closed position when the kit box isin the first and second positions, the lid is in the open position whenthe kit box is in the third position, and the base surface contacts thesurface when the kit box is in the first and third positions.
 21. Aportable kit box as defined in claim 17, further comprising at least oneinternal compartment for holding additional objects.
 22. A portable kitbox as defined in claim 17, further comprising a pair of external cleatsfor wrapping and storing a hose, the cleats disposed on the lid, thebase or any combination thereof.
 23. A portable kit box as defines inclaim 17, further comprising a receptacle for receiving a torch, thereceptacle disposed on the lid, the base or any combination thereof. 24.A portable kit box as defined in claim 17, wherein the base surfacefurther defines at least two runners for assisting the base surface intranslating across the ground surface.
 25. A portable kit box for torchequipment comprising: a base pivotally coupled to the lid and includingfirst means for contacting and translating the kit box along a surface;a lid movable between an open position and a closed position relative tothe base; second means for holding at least one tank within the lid;third means for supporting the lid in the closed position; and fourthmeans securing the lid in the closed position, wherein the kit box has afirst position, the at least one tank being supported at an acute anglerelative to the surface when the kit box is in the first position.
 26. Aportable kit box as defined in claim 25, wherein the first meanscomprises a base surface defined by a portion of the base, the basesurface including at least two runners, the second means comprises acompartment defined by a portion of the lid and at least one holdingmember for holding the at least one tank in the compartment, the thirdmeans comprises an angled support surface defined by a portion of thebase, and the fourth means is a mechanical latch member.
 27. A portablekit box as defined in claim 25, wherein the kit box has a secondposition, the at least one tank being supported approximatelyperpendicular to the surface when the kit box is in the second position,and a third position, the at least one tank being supportedapproximately horizontal to the surface when the kit box is in the thirdposition.
 28. A portable kit box as defined in claim 25, wherein theacute angle is about 20° to about 60° relative to the ground surface.29. A portable kit box as defined in claim 28, wherein the acute isapproximately 30° relative to the ground surface.
 30. A portable kit boxas defined in claim 27, wherein the lid is in the closed position whenthe kit box is in the first and second positions, the lid is in the openposition when the kit box is in the third position, and the base surfacecontacts the surface when the kit box is in the first and thirdpositions.
 31. A portable kit box for torch equipment comprising: atleast one tank of torch fuel, the at least one tank including a nozzle;a base defining a base surface for contacting and translating the kitbox along a surface; a lid movable between an open position and a closedposition relative to the base; a tank compartment for holding the atleast one tank; a support surface for supporting the at least one tank;a torch; a hose for connecting the torch to the tank nozzle; at leastone valve for controlling the flow of fuel between the at least one tankand the torch; and at least one securing member for securing togetherthe lid and the base, wherein the kit box has a first position, the atleast one tank being supported at an acute angle relative to the surfacewhen the kit box is in the first position.
 32. A portable kit box asdefined in claim 31, wherein the kit box has a second position, the atleast one tank being supported approximately perpendicular to thesurface when the kit box is in the second position, and a thirdposition, the at least one tank being supported approximately horizontalto the surface when the kit box is in the third position.
 33. A portablekit box as defined in claim 31, further comprising: at least one tankaperture for allowing the nozzle, hose, or any combination thereof, toprotrude from the kit box when the lid is in each of the first andsecond positions, the at least one aperture defined by a portion of atleast one of the lid, the base, or any combination thereof; a pair ofexternal cleats disposed on the lid, the base or any combination thereoffor wrapping and storing the hose; a handle affixed to at least one ofthe lid, the base, the external cleats or any combination thereof; areceptacle for receiving the torch; and at least one internalcompartment within the base for holding additional objects.
 34. Aportable kit box as defined in claim 31, wherein the acute angle rangesfrom about 20° to about 60° relative to the ground surface.
 35. Aportable kit box as defined in claim 30, wherein the acute angle isapproximately 30° relative to the ground surface.
 36. A portable kit boxas defined in claim 32, wherein the lid is in the closed position whenthe kit box is in the first and second positions, the lid is in the openposition when the kit box is in the third position, and the base surfacecontacts the surface when the kit box is in the first and thirdpositions.
 37. A portable kit box as defined in claim 31 wherein thebase surface further defines at least two runners for aiding the basesurface in translating across the ground surface.